As the Rugby Championship decider looms this Saturday at Twickenham, Damian de Allende can barely contain his excitement about playing alongside the mercurial Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. The seasoned Springbok center describes the young flyhalf's play as both exhilarating and unpredictable, a refreshing twist to the traditional backline dynamics.
De Allende, at 33, has shared the field with numerous top-tier flyhalves, yet he asserts that Feinberg-Mngomezulu's flair is uniquely bewitching. "It's incredible. I don’t even think Sacha knows what happens next sometimes, which is also a good thing," De Allende shares. He tries to provide guidance on the pitch, pointing out spaces, but often finds Feinberg-Mngomezulu already steps ahead. "I think it’s important for not just me, but all the guys around him, not to take his time and space away. He can create a lot by himself – we just need to make sure that we’re there to support him."
"It was incredible to watch him on Saturday, but as a team we know we’ve got to get ourselves in the best possible position to make each other look better."
Last weekend's match saw the Springboks trounce Los Pumas 67-30 in Durban, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu at the heart of the action, weaving magic that captivated both fans and teammates alike. As they gear up for the championship decider against Argentina, the stakes couldn't be higher. Not only is the match set at the iconic Twickenham, but it also presents a shot at a historic back-to-back title for the Boks.
Despite the high pressure, De Allende plays down any home-field advantage, noting the familiarity of both teams with the London venue. "It’s a neutral ground and we have played here quite a lot, but so have they [Argentina] against England," he explains. With 60,000 tickets sold, the atmosphere promises to be electric. "I don’t think there’s an advantage for us or an advantage for them. I think the atmosphere is going to be incredible and we’re all looking forward to that."
As the Springboks and Argentina prepare to clash, the excitement is palpable, with history just a match away for the South African team. It's more than just a game; it's a spectacle of skill, strategy, and perhaps, a touch of Feinberg-Mngomezulu's unpredictability.